He knew when her birthday was, but he’d invented a reason to give it. “Then it’s a very early birthday present.”
Amelia rose up on tiptoe to whisper into his ear. “Is it from Aphrodite’s Unmentionables? A gift that both of us will enjoy?”
His wife had been more than enthusiastic in bed, and there were times when her inventiveness astounded him. “No, it’s not that. But perhaps I’ll buy you unmentionables later.” He sent her a dark smile, and Christine brought over the paper-wrapped package. “Here it is.”
Amelia took the gift and remarked, “It’s very light.” She opened it and revealed a set of three embroidered handkerchiefs.
“How boring,” Christine said, rolling her eyes. “Papa, you should have bought her diamonds. When I have a beau of my own, he ought to know that a girl wants beautiful jewelry that sparkles.”
But Amelia’s face had softened at the sight of the handkerchiefs, as he’d hoped. She unfolded one and saw their initials embroidered together on each. Then she threw herself into his arms. “I love you, David. And I never should have said you had the personality of a handkerchief before I had the chance to know you.”
He breathed in the scent of her hair, so grateful that she’d come to be a part of his life. “Do you like them?”
She pulled back from the embrace, and in her green eyes, he saw love. “Handkerchiefs are something I can’t live without. And I never want to.” She kissed him deeply, while he overheard his daughter muttering about how his gift made no sense at all.
David ignored her, and as he continued to kiss his wife, he imagined what Katherine would say if she could see the way his life had transformed. He could only believe that she would be happy for him, though Amelia could not be more different. He would never forget Katherine, but the pain of losing her had faded. Perhaps she had sent Amelia to him, knowing that she was the light he needed to overcome the darkness.
“I hope you never have to use these for grief,” he said, touching a handkerchief. “Both of us have had enough sadness to endure.”
“They would only be for tears of joy,” she said, squeezing hishand. “I promise you that.” Then she held his palm and walked with him in a circle, as if they were dancing.
He reached down and lifted her into his arms. Amelia let out a shriek of laughter but held on tightly. “David, that isn’t part of the country dance.”
“It isn’t?” He nuzzled her neck, thankful that Christine had already left them alone.
“No.” But her laughter stilled while she wrapped her arms around his neck. “But I don’t mind.”
“I thought you wanted a man who was delicious and dangerous,” he reminded her.
“Not anymore.” Her eyes softened with love. “All I want is you.”
